Hosea 6:5
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
חָצַ֙בְתִּי֙
Therefore have I hewed
H2672
חָצַ֙בְתִּי֙
Therefore have I hewed
Strong's:
H2672
Word #:
3 of 10
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
בַּנְּבִיאִ֔ים
them by the prophets
H5030
בַּנְּבִיאִ֔ים
them by the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
4 of 10
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
פִ֑י
of my mouth
H6310
פִ֑י
of my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וּמִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ
and thy judgments
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ
and thy judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:29Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?Jeremiah 1:10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.Jeremiah 5:14Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Historical Context
Prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea proclaimed God's word, confronting kings and people. Their words brought both literal judgment (Elijah calling drought, 1 Kings 17:1) and spiritual judgment (exposing sin). That God 'slays' by words means prophetic denunciation executed judgment even before physical consequences arrived. New Testament similarly describes the word as sword (Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 1:16). Historical fulfillment came through Assyrian conquest, but prophetic word had already pronounced sentence. God's word always accomplishes its purpose, whether salvation or judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do I receive God's word - allowing it to 'hew' and refine me rather than resisting its corrective work?
- What does prophetic word functioning as judgment teach about Scripture's authority and power in my life?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.' God's word through prophets functions as tool - 'hewing' (shaping through judgment) and 'slaying' (bringing death to rebellion). 'Words of my mouth' are powerful, accomplishing divine purposes (Isaiah 55:11). 'Thy judgments as light' means God's verdicts illuminate truth, exposing sin. Hebrews 4:12 declares God's word 'sharper than any two-edged sword,' dividing soul and spirit. Prophetic word both judges unrepentant and refines repentant. Christ is ultimate Word (John 1:1), bringing both judgment and life.